This was Ding’s second 147 at the esteemed tournament and his fourth overall.
In this Triple Crown competition, Kirk Stevens in 1984 and Marco Fu in 2015 have also accomplished the feat.
Ding overcame a 4-0 deficit to trail 4-3, but O’Sullivan eventually prevailed once more to advance to his 25th Masters quarterfinal.
had a lot of chances at the start but I just made twenties and thirties and just messed up,” said Ding on BBC Two. “It’s incredible to make a maximum because I didn’t think I would play that well when we returned.
“I am content enough because I haven’t felt that way in a long time. Because Ronnie was playing so well, I thought I could try a maximum when I saw the balls open.”
Also speaking on BBC Two, O’Sullivan added: “Unbelievable 147 from Ding – I knew he’d make it from about the second or third red. What a fantastic athlete. It is enjoyable to watch him.
